UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Health Secretary Wes Streeting backed former PM Tony Blair’s Gaza role but said it would “raise eyebrows” given Blair’s Iraq legacy despite his peace record.
As reported by the Standard, Wes Streeting has endorsed Sir Tony Blair’s involvement in overseeing Gaza’s transitional authority, while admitting it is likely to “raise eyebrows.”
US President Donald Trump unveiled a 20-point peace plan, winning support from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while Hamas is reviewing the proposal.
Mr Trump confirmed Sir Tony Blair would be part of a “Board of Peace” of global leaders overseeing Gaza’s transitional administration.
Mr Blair led Britain into the 2003 Iraq War and later served as Middle East envoy for the international quartet of the US, EU, Russia, and UN.
Wes Streeting’s stance on Tony Blair’s role in Gaza
Wes Streeting admitted concerns could be raised about Sir Tony Blair’s suitability for the role. He highlighted Blair’s experience in negotiating the 1998 Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland.
He said,
“Now I know there’ll be some people who look at Tony Blair and his legacy in Iraq and will raise eyebrows to say the least about whether he’s the right man to be involved in this.”
Mr Streeting stated,
“And I say that as someone myself who opposed the Iraq War. Tony Blair also had an incredible legacy in Northern Ireland of bringing together sworn enemies to build a peace that has lasted.”
He added,
“So if he can bring that skill set to bear in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with the support of Israelis, Palestinians and other regional powers, then so much the better.”
What did the Liberal Democrats say about Tony Blair’s role in the Gaza plan?
The Liberal Democrats have called on Sir Tony Blair to appear before Parliament to explain his role in the Gaza plan.
Party leader Sir Ed Davey added,
“MPs must have the chance to scrutinise whether the former prime minister is the right person to help secure these goals.”
What did Sir Keir Starmer say about the Gaza peace proposal?
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer supported the Gaza plan, praising President Trump’s leadership and urging all parties to work with the US to bring the deal into effect.
He said,
“Hamas should now agree to the plan and end the misery, by laying down their arms and releasing all remaining hostages.”
Mr Starmer stated,
“Together with our partners, we will continue work to build consensus to put into place a permanent ceasefire.”
Labour leader added,
“We are all committed to a collective effort to end the war in Gaza and deliver a sustainable peace, where Palestinians and Israelis can live side by side in safety and security.”
What did Donald Trump say about former PM Tony Blair’s role in the Gaza plan?
Donald Trump said,
“One of the people that wants to be on the board is the UK former prime minister Tony Blair – good man, very good man.”
Sir Tony Blair praised President Trump’s plan for Gaza, describing it as “bold and intelligent” and the “best chance” for achieving peace.
He thanked the US president for chairing the “Board of Peace,” calling it a “huge signal of support and confidence in Gaza’s future.”
What did Israel, Hamas, and Trump say about the Gaza peace deal?
Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates, have expressed support for the deal.
According to the Associated Press, Hamas officials are reviewing the agreement following its presentation by Qatar’s prime minister and Egypt’s intelligence chief.
Mr Trump said that if Hamas rejects the deal, Mr Netanyahu would have his full backing to take necessary action.
Mr Netanyahu hailed the proposal as a “critical step” toward peace, but warned that if Hamas rejects it, “Israel will finish the job by itself.”
The Board of Deputies of British Jews stated it praised
“President Trump’s efforts to drive forward a hostage-ceasefire deal, which now has the buy-in of Israel and the international community”
And Hamas must
“accept the deal and end the nightmare that they started on October 7, 2023”.
Key facts about Donald Trump’s Gaza plan
The plan calls for an immediate ceasefire, with hostages and prisoners exchanged. Hamas would be removed, and Gaza would be run by a temporary technocratic committee. An international “Board of Peace” including Trump and Blair would oversee governance.
Hamas must disarm, while an international force ensures security and trains local police. Israeli forces would mostly withdraw, keeping only a security perimeter until the threat ends.